Food Network show winner awarded Jersey Mike's restaurant

Raejeanna Foster, 30, is opening her first Jersey Mike's location in Mount Vernon, Wash., on May 14 after winning the Food Network reality series, Giving You the Business.

According to a news release, the opening comes nearly one year after she was awarded her own Jersey Mike's franchise by CEO and Founder Peter Cancro as part of the show.

Foster will hold a grand opening and free sub fundraiser from May 14 to May 18 to support Mount Vernon High School. The new restaurant is circulating 10,000 coupons throughout the community offering a free regular sub for a minimum $1 contribution to Mount Vernon High School. Customers must have a coupon to be eligible.

Foster began her career with Jersey Mike's as a manager in training three years ago and her hands-on approach to leadership was why she was selected to compete on the Food Network show, the release said. Most recently, she was a general manager of three locations in Mukilteo, Shoreline and Redmond, Wash., working with franchise owner Steve Berry.

In Giving You the Business, which aired May 16, 2013, four Jersey Mike's managers from around the country were handpicked by Cancro to be put through a series of challenges to test their skills. The show usually ends with one winner who is awarded their very own franchise. However, Cancro chose to award all four contestants with their own Jersey Mike's franchise. Foster is the first to open a restaurant.

"We couldn't be prouder of Jeanna and know that as an owner she'll continue to be an extraordinary representative of the Jersey Mike's brand," he said in the release. "On the show, and every day in our restaurants, Jeanna shows great heart, an inspiring work ethic and a true commitment to her teams and customers."